With A €10,000 prize package : Contest For 2026 EU Circular Economy Business Awards

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With A €10,000 prize package : Contest For 2026 EU Circular Economy Business Awards

Enabel and Sitra have opened applications for the 2026 EU Circular Economy Business Awards, a prestigious annual recognition by the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC). The initiative celebrates innovative enterprises that are redefining how circularity drives sustainable growth.

This year’s awards highlight two key categories:
- A Circular Business in the Electronics & ICT Sector — honoring a company that showcases outstanding circular innovation in electronics.
- A Young Woman Entrepreneur in Circular Economy — recognizing a visionary female founder (aged 35 or below) who is leading change through her circular business model.

Selection and Evaluation

A panel of experts appointed by the EU CERC will evaluate applications based on:

Type and effectiveness of circular business model
Innovation and scalability
Reduction of resource use
Links with EU markets
Gender equality and social inclusion

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in March–April 2026, with winners announced during the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in India later that year.

Key Dates

Evaluation period: January–April 2026
Winners announced: May 2026 at WCEF India

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is December 7, 2025 (23:59 CET).

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.

Host Institution

The EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC), co-funded by the European Commission and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland,

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Each of the two winners will receive:

- A €10,000 prize package including tailored EU CERC exchange and coaching

- Global visibility and promotion through WCEF platforms

- An exclusive invitation to WCEF 2026 to receive their award in person

Eligibility Criteria

- Be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in an EU partner or ODA-recipient country.

- Have been in operation for at least three years.

- Demonstrate an active commitment to circular business models such as reuse, recycling, circular design, or product lifetime extension.

- Ensure alignment with Enabel’s Decent Work Principles and not engage in prohibited activities.

-For the young woman entrepreneur award — the company must be (co-)founded and led by a woman aged 35 or younger.

Eligible Countries

EU partner or ODA-recipient country

Application Procedure

The EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC), co-funded by the European Commission and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, works to advance circular practices globally. Through its annual awards, EU CERC honors trailblazers proving that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.

Official Link

https://www.sitra.fi/en/eu-cerc/business-awards-by-the-eu-cerc/